I wish to replace the head unit in my 1998 XK8 Coupe and thus need some information on the factory installed system. My vehicle has the factory tape deck with cd-changer in the trunk setup and does have the shelf mounted sub present. I would like to replace the head unit with one that supports XM, IPod etc and intend to use an Alpine unit. Currently I have purchased an Autoleads PC99-X10 adaptor along with PC99-ALP adaptor from Nexxia.com. My understanding is that should allow basic integration and connection to the factory speakers and steering wheel controls. I do wish to retain as many of the factory controls as possible.

My Questions are:

1) Are the factory cd-changers standard Alpine AI-net or M-bus units or a proprietary design?

2) I am assuming this vehicle has a factory amp, does the use of an aftermarket head unit require me to wire around the oem amp?

3) If anyone can give me a basic overview breakdown of what is currently in this vehicle inclusive of the speaker configuration I would greatly appreciate it. I want to attempt to have all the necessary connections etc before starting to pull things apart.

Any help is greatly appreciated

 

The CD changer is wired using DIN connector.
The amp would have to be disconnected and new amps wired in place.
PM me your email address and I will get the wiring to you.

 

There's lots of xk owners that have had the same interest as you, and pretty much here is what you cannot do:

(1) Add a different CD Changer to work with existing head unit
(2) Replace the amp with a different (non-jag+alpine) unit (as they all talk to each other)

Basically, if you want to do it correctly, and I am headed that way...is to replace the head unit, amp and CD changer all at once. Only problem is the factory head unit isn't a single-DIN size, and there are no aftermarket trim pieces if you want to replace it. It all has to be custom made. These days though, it may be alot easier to do than in years past.

Up to this point, I have replaced the components up front, added two amps in the trunk, wired in a Fosgate 3sixty.2 processor into it, and replaced the rear 6.5 inch subs (in a vert) with new components, and built a 8-inch sub box behind the back seat. I am beginning to think that the head unit is the weakest link in this line of audio-crap, and if you can build a fabricated trim piece for a single DIN sized aftermarket stereo, you let me know. I'm buyin from you.

 

Worked my way through college working in a high end car audio shop. Our installers could custom make a faceplate for anything that didn't have an OEM kit, and it didn't end up being all that more expensive than buying the kit since they were marked up so much.

Here's a listing on eBay for a 98 that has an aftermarket radio and amp installed:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rare-...QQcmdZViewItem

Maybe contact the seller to see if they know what was done? Worth a shot.

 

Hey, this looks pretty good. They are out there it looks like. I have only ever seen one, and this install is better than the 1st.

 

h20boy ... just looked through your gallery photos ... nice ride!

Am looking for an 03-05 myself right now. They are hard to come by here in Ohio, and many of the ones you do find are way overpriced.

 

someone replaced the IPK wood lol

 

Nothing like making sure something matches. And just what the hell is that next to the oil pressure gauge?

 

lol looks like maybe magnetic holder for remote..

 

Thanks tomhorn! Good choice in years...if you can't get the '07 (my personal favorite), than the 03-05s are great looking cars. Good luck with the search! Did you check cars.com and see how many dealers around your area have them?

I didn't notice the instrument pack wood in that pic...not exactly inconspicous. I wouldn't buy it for anything now.

 

Yep .. been checking everything I can find. There are two choices here in Columbus, an 03 XKR and an 04 XK8. Both are priced over KBB retail price, and I can't seem to get the dealers to understand ...

There are 2 in Cincinnati, both at a Jag dealer andSelect Editions and a couple more in Cleveland. I can find them much cheaper on eBay (even at buy it now prices), but am a little apprehensive about purchasing site unseen and shipping.

Fortunately I'm not in a hurry, so I can wait for the right car.

 

Thank you for the information. I have just a few more questions I would like to find answers to.

When using an aftermarket head unit should I connect it to the factory amplifier? If so is there an adaptor to convert the din plug to a connection usable by a new alpine unit.

And

If I should not use the factory amplifier are there available adaptors to by pass the factory amp and connect the din plug to the new head unit?

Thank You

 

Lemay, basically the CD Changer can only be operated by a Jag head unit. it has something to do with the initialization of the changer communicating with the head unit. There is something written in that language that tells it that the unit each unit is a JAG unit. If you change the stereo, you might as well replace the changer too...if you still want one. With all of the new head units coming out (and I am swapping mine out too in 2 weeks) I just plan on using a USB powered 160GB portable hard drive to keep all of my MP3s on that will work from the head unit. CD changers are headed to extinction i am afraid.

I am pretty sure the amplifier will only work with the stock head unit too, but not totally sure. I am pulling my old amp out.

 

Hey, I like that head unit adaptor. The ebay listing in this thread is obviously expired, and I'm having a hard time finding an adaptor kit pre-made for a 1997 XK8.

Got any leads on who might do custom work? This shouldn't be a tall order if a pre-made kit is totally unavailable (which still surprises me, considering the number of 1997-2006 XK8s that were made.

 

Any new head unit will require a custom fascia made. Call around, or drop by and ask to see some of their work, you'll likely find a higher-end shop that can fabricate anything these days. good luck.

remember Phd12volt, he has sources all across the country and volunteered to find a shop in your area that he 'officially' approves of.

 

I'm an area sales director and, I do Technical support for JL Audio and I drive everyday a '02 XKR that I've been playing with the sound system in. Feel free to contact me at the factory (954) 443-1100 ext 2129, I'll be happy to point you towards someone in your area.

 

Why can't I see the photo gallery?

 

You need a few more posts. Just go to the off-topic section and reply to a few threads. I think you need five or ten posts to get access to everything. That's keep the spammers at bay.

 

see my signature link above and below your post for details

 

ok... does anyone know where i can get a usb plug in to work with stock head unit